G. Ferraris, Pietro Piffetti e gli ebanisti a Torino 1670-1830, ed. by Alvar González-Palacios, Turin, 1992

This attractive fitted casket epitomises the high standards reached in the art of cabinet-making at the Court of Savoy in the 18th century. The decorative language of its marquetry shares many characteristics with recorded, or attributed, works by the Royal cabinet-maker Pietro Piffetti (1700-1777), who would often employ a similar combination of strapwork patterns made of fruitwood bands with ivory fillets. 

In this particular instance, the attribution rests on the striking similarity between the casket and a pair of commodes firmly ascribed to Piffetti by Giancarlo Ferraris and Alvar González-Palacios, one of which sold Christie's London, 13 June 2002, lot 472, the other offered Sotheby's London, 6 July 2016, lot 21. There can be little doubt that the three pieces are by one and the same hand, and were plausibly part of a same commission. 

Other boxes by or attributed to Pietro Piffetti include a signed dressing table casket bearing similar amorini sold Sotheby's London, 13 June 2001, lot 256a, and one other sold Christie's London, 27 June 2007, lot 256. For a further similar casket see Sotheby’s London, 6 July 2010, lot 10.